Copper

Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu(Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with excellent electrical conductivity and is supple in its pure state. Copper has a pinkish luster which is (beside gold) unusual for metals, are normally silvery white.

Copper is an essential trace nutrient to all high plants and animals. In animals, including humans, it is found primarily in the bloodstream, as a co-factor in various enzymes, and in copper-based pigments.

Copper has played a significant part in the history of mankind, which has used the easily accessible uncompounded metal for thousands of years. Several early civilizations have evidence of using copper. During the Roman Empire, copper was principally mined on Cyprus, hence the origin of the name of the metal as Cyprium, "metal of Cyprus", later shortened to Cuprum.